Make the Most of a Medical Trip to Durham

If you’re looking for one of the best places in the country for healthcare, you’ll find it in Durham, NC. Thousands visit each year from across the country because it’s one of the top places in the United States for medical care. Durham has the Duke University Medical System and the Durham VA Medical Center, which both offer compassionate, world-class care during times of need. With a nickname like “the City of Medicine,” Durham has cutting-edge treatments and doctors who are top in their field, giving patients and families hope and confidence for quality of life and recovery post-treatment. Whether you’re coming to town to receive care, or to support friends or family, here are a few ideas to help you navigate a more comfortable and convenient trip to Durham.

Get to know Durham Healthcare

Duke Health is the largest and most well-known healthcare provider in Durham. It encompasses the Duke University Health System, which includes Duke University Hospital, and Duke Regional Hospital (located north of downtown Durham). Duke University Hospital has several adjacent clinics along Erwin Road, including the Duke Cancer Center, Duke Central Tower, Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center, Duke Clinics, Duke Eye Center and the Duke Medicine Pavilion. Duke University Hospital is consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the United States and in the region, ranking nationally in 11 adult specialties by the U.S. News and World Report for 2022-2023. In 2023, the Duke University Health System had about 67,000 inpatient stays and 5 million outpatient visits.

The Durham VA Medical Center, which serves more than 200,000 United States military veterans in North Carolina is also located along Erwin Road across the street from Duke University Hospital.

Parking at Duke University Medical Center Campus and the Durham VA

Garage parking is available for Duke University Hospital and clinics at an hourly and daily rate. Hospital valet parking is available during select hours at the entrance at a per visit rate. If your trip to Durham will be lengthy, request information about parking passes at a Duke information desk. For more information, contact Duke Parking Services at 919-684-7275.

Garage parking is available at the Durham VA. Parking is free for veterans and is available at a half-day or full-day rate for guests. The first 15 minutes are free.

Stay the Night Near Duke University Hospital

If you’re in Durham for a health-related reason, you’re going to want to make sure you have a place to sleep and shower. Find a respite in one of Durham’s short-term rental properties or at several hotels that are within walking distance or a short driving distance from Duke University Hospital. For the closest options, stay the night at the University Inn, The Lodge at Duke Medical Center, or the AC Hotel Durham. The Hilton Garden Inn Durham/University Medical Center and the JB Duke Hotel are also less than two miles away. The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is another comfortable option.

Eat More than Hospital Food

Duham is known for being a foodie city, and that means there’s lots of nourishing and comforting food options that are easy to order, prepared quickly and available for pick-up or dine-in nearby.

Grab a quick bite to eat from one of several high-quality restaurants near Duke University Hospital on Erwin Road. Savor the soaring taste of chicken wings and seasoned waffle fries at Heavenly Buffaloes, enjoy the comforting flavors of India at Naan Stop, find fresh fish at Sushi Love, have a warm bowl of soup at Pho & Poke House, select something healthy at Saladelia Cafe at Hock Plaza or enjoy arepas at Guasaca. Duke University Hospital’s Atrium Cafe, and Duke Clinic also offer several on-campus restaurants and coffee shops including nationally-known restaurants and cafes.

Sometimes procedures go late into the night. For late-night options, indulge in burritos and quesadillas from Cosmic Cantina, which is open until 4 a.m., or dine-in at neighborhood bar and grill Queeny's, which is open until 2 a.m., or at The Federal until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For a popular NC drive-in chain, head to Cookout on Hillsborough Road for a burger and a milkshake until 3:30 a.m. on weekdays and 4:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Brighten the Room with Flowers and Gifts

Add some color to the room! Send or bring flowers to a patient in Durham. It’s easy to find a Durham florist to deliver flowers. Find beautiful blooms at Ninth Street Flowers, Floral Dimensions, Bowerbird Flowers and Apothecary or World of Flowers.

Discover delightfully unique gifts and books at The Regulator, Vaguely Reminiscent or Bull City Fair Trade on Ninth Street. Take a quick trip to Brightleaf Square and find jewelry, paper goods, home goods and more at Indio or Mill & Meadow.

Additionally, the Duke University medical campus has four gift shops and Duke University Hospital will deliver a get well card for free.

Send Treats to Your Care Team

Don’t forget to thank the people taking care of you or your loved one! Pick up treats for the team they can enjoy in the breakroom. Deliver doughnuts from Monuts or Early Bird Donuts or get a spread of locally-loved bagels from Isaac's Bagels.

Get Some Fresh Air

Don’t forget to soak up some vitamin D and feel the sun on your face and head outside when you can. There are many great places to walk near Duke University Hospital, including Duke University’s West and East Campuses. For an easy walk, circle Duke’s East Campus on a gravel path or wander through 55-acres of curated gardens with plants and flowers at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, which is adjacent to Duke University’s West Campus.

For farther flung explorations, get your blood pumping on a hilly, 3.1-mile walk on the Al Buehler Trail, hike several trails in Duke Forest, meander on one of 21 trails at Eno River State Park or walk the paved 1.2-mile Ellerbe Creek Trail.

Book a tee time at Hillandale Golf Course, which is open to the public and located less than five minutes away from the Duke University Medical Center campus.

Kids will enjoy outdoor exhibits at the Museum of Life and Science, including a treehouse forest, dinosaur trail, butterfly house and animal exhibits. Find free things to do at local parks or through Durham Parks and Recreation.

Take Care of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Find rest and relaxation with a spa experience. Melt into a massage table at The Retreat, Bull City Massage Therapy or AuroraFlow. Take a dip and steam at Sauna House or detox at Durham Salt Cave.

Get your blood pumping and the endorphins flowing at the Duke Health and Fitness Center. Day passes are available and include access to the gym, group fitness classes and the aquatics center. Strengthen your mind-body connection and drop in for a yoga class at Blue Point Yoga or Treehouse Studios.

Take time to reflect on your journey with a quiet place to meditate and or pray at the towering, gothic Duke University Chapel at Duke University, which is open to the public daily except during special events. Visitors are welcome in the sanctuary to view stone arches, stained glass windows, and sit in wooden pews. Interfaith hospital chapels and services are also available at Duke University Hospital and Duke Medicine Pavilion.

Explore Durham

If you have a rest day between treatments and appointments, there are plenty of low-key things to see and do. See a show or movie at the historic Carolina Theatre, enjoy free exhibits at the Nasher Museum of Art or head to The Streets of Soutpoint Mall for shopping and dining.

Stop by the Durham Visitor Info Center for in-person recommendations. Rest in comfortable seats and charge your device while you receive expert, personalized recommendations and pick up printed maps and information. To find out what’s happening while you’re in town, consult the Durham Events Calendar.

Find more places to shop, dine and explore near the Duke University Medical Center campus. Discover more about the area in The Ultimate Guide to Ninth Street at Duke University.